After saying goodbye to the villagers, Stark joined Shichen's party—and became their coachman.
The horse was an ordinary horse, bought specially for Stark with treasure taken from the Red Mirror Dragon. After all, Groudon wasn't about to let him ride it.
Shichen hadn't swallowed all the treasure either. He left a good chunk behind for the villagers, just as an act of charity.
Besides, he wasn't short on money.
"Boss… where are we going now?" Stark asked, sitting in the driver's seat, a little tense.
He still wasn't used to it.
In fact, they didn't leave until the next day—Stark needed time to learn how to handle the carriage.
"Anywhere," Shichen said, resting his head on Fern's soft, plush thigh, eyes closed in bliss. "You're the driver. Wherever you think is fine."
How had he never realized a lap pillow felt this good?
Way better than any soft pillow.
With a spot this perfect, why had he ever sat up front with the reins?
What a waste!
"Huh? Seriously? That's… that casual?" Stark glanced back, then quickly looked forward again.
Not because he couldn't look—because he didn't want to.
It was too comfortable to watch.
Holding one in his arms while another cradled him—what kind of dream was this?
Stark hadn't even imagined a scene like this in his wildest fantasies.
"Because this is a journey without a destination," Shichen said, gently rocking his head and savoring the softness under it. "No Demon King, no fame, no hero business. Wherever your heart wants to go—that's the destination."
The little person in his arms was comfy too. Her cheeks were soft and squishy—so fun to pinch.
This was the correct way to ride a carriage.
"Boss… that sounds really profound…"
"Doesn't matter if you don't get it. Just pick a direction and keep going."
"Is that really okay?"
"It's fine—as long as you don't idiotically drive us back the way we came."
"As if I'm that dumb!" Stark protested.
"Hard to say."
"Boss!"
"Alright, alright—you're not dumb. If you drive properly, then when we stop to rest, I'll train you."
"Really?!"
"That's the whole reason we brought you along."
"Huh? Not because you admire me?"
"You're not a cute girl—what's the point of me admiring you?"
"Eeeh—"
"Thank your master for that."
"…Master…" Stark couldn't help thinking of Eisen.
He'd run away—got chased off after getting hit—but his master had been good to him.
"Relax. Eisen's got a long life ahead. You'll see him again—after you get stronger."
"Stronger… I get it!" Stark's eyes sharpened with determination.
"Boss, then… we're heading out!"
"Mm."
"Hyah!"
With a shout, Stark started the carriage rolling—but his confidence instantly evaporated and he tensed up again.
"Easy, horse… nice and careful, okay? Don't mess up…"
"Is this really okay, Shichen-sama?" Fern asked, stroking Shichen's hair, worried.
"Hm?" Shichen opened his eyes and met Fern's gaze as she looked down at him.
From this angle, Fern was still adorable—her cheeks were chubby and baby-soft, making him want to take a bite.
They'd been traveling nonstop—so why was Fern getting more plush?
Shichen forced himself to calm down and decided it must be her constitution.
Looks like he'd have to "exercise" with her more at night, or she'd turn into a giant mushroom.
Honestly… she was already close.
And he liked it. She was so soft—whether he was holding her or being held by her, it was ridiculously comfortable.
Especially in winter… he might never want to let her go.
Winter, hurry up and come.
"I mean—Stark driving. Won't something happen?"
"Nope. Even if something does, it's fine. I put a barrier on the carriage. Nothing serious will happen," Shichen reassured her.
"Oh… okay." Fern finally relaxed.
"A barrier?! Boss, say that earlier! Now I can relax too!" Stark immediately loosened up.
"You should still be careful," Shichen warned.
"Why?"
"I only put the barrier on the carriage. The horse isn't included."
"…Huh?!"
"Consider it training your driving skills. Good luck."
"Why are you like this—?!"
Complaining didn't help. Shichen had already stopped paying attention, closing his eyes again to enjoy Fern's lap.
Fern was enjoying it too. She looked down at Shichen's sleeping face, lips curving up, happiness blooming in her chest.
Seeing Shichen-sama this close—Shichen-sama asleep on her lap—this was perfect.
As for Frieren, she'd been asleep for a while. Shichen pinching her cheeks didn't even get a reaction anymore.
She was used to it.
They traveled in silence. Near evening, Stark drove them into a small village.
"Boss, should we rest here?"
"Already at a village?" Shichen was a little surprised.
When it had just been the three of them, they could go days without seeing one.
"Is there a problem?"
"No. Let's rest here."
Shichen carried Frieren down first, then helped Fern down.
He set Frieren down and let her lean against him, stored the carriage away, and left the horse here.
He'd already tamed it—and even strengthened it a bit. It wasn't an ordinary horse anymore.
"Let's go." Shichen took Fern's hand in one hand and Frieren's in the other, leading them toward the village.
Stark followed obediently behind.
The village houses were dark—no lamps, no firelight. Shichen didn't disturb anyone. Instead, he placed the small villa they'd been using on the outskirts, a good distance away.
Instant lodging.
He even added an extra room since they had one more person now—on the far side, separated by the living room and kitchen, with a dedicated bathroom and bathing room.
Shichen almost felt like he was being too nice to Stark.
Unlike the three of them, who still had to share a bath.
They didn't really need a restroom anymore.
"Boss… what is this? That's insane!" Stark gaped at the little villa, completely stunned.
The exterior, the materials—it looked more luxurious than any building he'd ever seen.
"With us, you don't have to sleep rough," Shichen said, patting his shoulder.
"This is the best! Boss, I'll follow you forever!"
"Heh. 'Forever' is a bit much. You're not a cute girl."
"Huh?" Stark stared blankly.
"Shichen-sama." Fern glared at him, clearly unhappy.
"Ahem—never mind. Go check it out. Your room's over there. You've got your own bathroom too."
"That's seriously… incredible."
"Go take a bath. We'll call you when it's time to eat."
"Okay!" Stark dashed off to his room, buzzing with excitement.
Shichen and the others headed toward their own room.
"Shichen-sama… should I bathe first, or cook first?" Fern asked.
"Why are you asking me?"
Fern just looked at him without answering.
"Oh. Right—no rush on cooking. Stark probably isn't hungry," Shichen said, understanding her meaning.
It reminded him of the classic question after getting home from work: Honey, do you want dinner, a bath… or me?
He'd obviously pick the last one.
"But I'm hungry," Frieren said gloomily, staring at them.
"Frieren-sama…" Fern looked a little embarrassed under that stare.
"You're hungry? Here—have some snacks and read a manga."
"…Fine. But hurry," Frieren grumbled, reluctantly accepting. She knew that once Shichen got like this, he wouldn't listen to anything.
"We'll try."
Shichen and Fern went to the bath together.
It was a little cramped with two people. Before long, water splashed everywhere, and a sweet, captivating "song" filled the room.